Associate Programme Officer, DECI/SEC (FT-LTD), Geneva, Switzerland

About Us

The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. Guided by our core mandate, "Transforming trade. Changing lives," we drive trade-led economic development, particularly in the Global South. By enabling small businesses to realize their potential, we build resilient, sustainable economic ecosystems for long-term global impact.

This position is situated within the Division of Enterprise Competitiveness and Institutions (DECI), specifically in the Sector and Enterprise Competitiveness Section (SEC). In 2026, SEC is expanding its outreach across diverse economic sectors, with a strategic focus on manufacturing and services. The selected Associate Programme Officer will directly support our initiatives in the manufacturing sector.

Learn more about our team and mission on the NGO Jobspot homepage.

Key Responsibilities

Operating under the direct supervision of the Chief, SEC, and the overall strategic guidance of the Director, DECI, the Associate Programme Officer will execute the following functions:

• Project Coordination & Evaluation: Collaborate with key clients to facilitate development, implementation, and rigorous monitoring of assigned programs and projects.
• Research & Analysis: Conduct foundational research, collect statistical data from diverse sources, and analyze trends to generate actionable insights.
• Policy Support: Provide substantive policy coordination, assist in research studies, and analyze emerging industry trends.
• Workshop Planning & Advisory: Assist in facilitating client-focused workshops and interactive sessions to build comprehensive action plans for change management.
• Data Collection: Design and deploy survey and data collection tools, interpret client responses, and present primary conclusions.
• Reporting & Output: Draft technical background papers, analytical briefs, report sections, and key project publications.
• Conference & Meeting Logistics: Coordinate substantive and administrative logistics for consultative meetings, prepare agendas, and design professional presentations.
• Outreach & Training: Deliver informative presentations on assigned topics and actively participate in international field missions.
• Budgetary Management: Coordinate funding proposals, review project budgets, draft financial statements, and track progress reports.
• Data Visualization: Utilize modern data visualization methods to translate complex data sets into highly digestible tables, charts, and dashboards for strategic decision-making.

Requirements & Qualifications

Education

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Management, Economics, or a closely related field.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree) combined with an additional two (2) years of qualifying, relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience in project/program management or administration is required (four (4) years for candidates holding a Bachelor's degree).
• Prior professional experience within the United Nations common system is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in reporting and program monitoring is highly desirable.
• Proven experience in sector development, specifically within the manufacturing industry, is considered a strong asset.

Core Competencies

• Professionalism: Mastery of sector-specific concepts, research methodologies, and evaluative techniques. Strong analytical skills with the ability to remain calm under pressure and integrate gender-inclusive perspectives into work.
• Communication: Clear, effective written and oral communication skills. Active listening skills and a demonstrated capability to tailor complex language to diverse audiences.
• Teamwork: Strong collaborative spirit, prioritizing organizational objectives over personal agendas and sharing credit for achievements.
• Planning & Organizing: Ability to identify priority tasks, allocate resources efficiently, foresee operational risks, and adjust plans as needed.

Language Requirements

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this specific vacancy, fluency in English (UN Level III proficiency across Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking) is required.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary Scale: Compensation and entitlements are governed by the guidelines of the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations, administered by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC).
• Contract Type: Fixed-Term Appointment Limited ("FTA-limited") for an initial duration of one (1) year. Extensions are contingent on project funding, mandate continuity, and performance.
• Workplace Culture: ITC champions workforce diversity, inclusion, gender parity, and equal opportunity for all qualified candidates, including individuals with disabilities. Attractive flexible work arrangements are offered to support a healthy work-life balance.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit their applications electronically via the official United Nations online recruitment platform, Inspira. For comprehensive support, please consult the "Manual for the Applicant," accessible directly on the Inspira homepage.

Please ensure all information submitted is complete and accurate, as no modifications or additions can be made to your application once submitted. Only applicants under serious consideration will be contacted for an assessment exercise and a subsequent competency-based interview.

Reasonable Accommodations: If you require a reasonable accommodation due to a disability to complete your online application, please contact the recruitment team at registry@intracen.org.

Important Notice: ITC does not charge any application, processing, or training fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Please disregard any fraudulent requests requesting personal financial details.

AI Warning: THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) AT ANY STAGE OF THIS RECRUITMENT PROCESS IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED AND WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION.

Quick Job FAQ

What is the application deadline for this position?

All job postings on Inspira are removed exactly at 11:59 PM New York time on the official closing date. Applicants should submit early to avoid technical delays.

Is prior experience in the United Nations required?

No, prior experience in the UN common system is desirable but not mandatory. Candidates must meet the baseline experience in project management or administration.

What are the educational requirements for this role?

Candidates need a Master’s degree in Business, Economics, or a related field. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree with two additional years of relevant professional experience is accepted.

Can I use AI tools during the recruitment process?

No. The use of artificial intelligence tools at any stage of the ITC application or assessment process is strictly prohibited and leads to disqualification.